Rig building - When or Why, do you change devices?

What I'm finding in my limited experience is that there aren't any free lunches in audio gear. A $5000 CDP is better than a $2500 CDP etc.. I choose a retail level than search for the best used deals I can find . I decided $ 5500 was a decent level for a CDP and figured to spend $2500-3500 used to enter that level. As you all know than the pre needs to be upgraded than the amp/amps than the cables and P/C's then my chair etc... The amount I'll spend on a piece of gear just keeps getting larger and larger and somehow the larger amounts always become reasonable!!!! Hopefully I'm approaching my point of diminishing returns!!

My primary systems are pretty stable now but when I started building them (ie in their current form) I did so by buying used gear primarily, and went through a lot of what I call "in home demos". That is, I would buy a new (to me, but usually used) component to improve on what I had. I would play it in my systems and decide if to keep it or the previous one, and sell the loser.

Also, there were many years that I "sat out" because of the demands of raising kids and pursuing a career. Once I started "playing" with my system again I think had an insatiable appetite for trying various brand/components. When I was in college and had more more time than money, I spent my time in Audio stores wearing out my welcome. Now I lack the time for that, and doing in home trials of gear really isn't that expensive.

I am still trying and trading gear, but not nearly as much as 2 years ago. The components in my systems have been here for at least 2 years. I've moved on to trying and trading guitars and guitar amps now . . .

Obsession with upgrades was a serious disease I had until fairly recently. The biggest upgrade was changing my listening room so my speakers could show their best. Before, I was chasing my tail on the upgrade merry-go-round. Some choice improvements in the analog front end has landed me in a very comfortable spot, one I don't feel the need to change anytime soon.
Having components modded has made the difference also for me, instead of spending more on components I couldn't really afford, I spent relatively small amounts on upgrades to the components themselves. Satisfaction has arrived, the compulsion to upgrade has been all but vanquished, and it feels great.
I realize this approach is not for everyone, since many feel that having a stock marque product with a name and model number that says "high end" is a priority, and that's fine for those that can afford to do so. Along with many other members, that's not the case for me, so I had to get to the point where I could attain audio peace another way. The main thing is that you get there.

Peace and audio joy to all,
Dan

I guess the simple answer is when something doesn't sound right and it can't be addressed just by tweaking speaker placement to room acoustics.

Sometimes its just because you get tired of what you have and want to try something different, but not necessarily better.

Samhar

Good point! Thanks.

I tend to agree with your perspective on gear pricing. I used to think with SS amps, it was about weight. The heavier the better... and still find that aspect more valid than not... but will agree $5K to $7K amps are the threshold for diminishing returns. Likely too CDPs have their own as do other components and cabling.

I feel however, the point itself is subjective to some extent and dependant upon the synergy and resolution of the System being toyed with. it tickels me to see someone whose idea is that due to the expense of a thing, they feel it a "high resolution" item. It's not. It's just expensive… but good , nevertheless.

Islandmandan
Thanks Dan.

True enough. If the grass looks greener on the other side… It’s time to water your own lawn. A real obsessive and/or compulsive person will have lots of trouble with that note. Routinely.

I’m beginning to see the upgradeing what’s on hand, as a more viable path. One which is gaining pace with me as something I’ll try out soon with a piece I have now. It’ll be a while though.

Of course, then, other things may again need attending too to integrate it best. Geeezzz. That part always eludes me until I’m face to face with it.

Shouldn’t it be a given then, that what lays in front of the speakers is more important than the speakers themselves?